Local News

New business brings feedmill service local

Sterling Mill Service opening up shop

Staff report

Posted:
10/25/2017 09:35:37 PM MDT

A new machining and fabricating business opening in Sterling will bring in more local dollars while saving customers money.

Sterling Mill Service (SMS) will serve cracking and flaking mill rollers, feed mills, and the cattle feeding industry. The arrival of SMS is the first expansion of a company dedicated to doing roll changes, grinding, and corrugation of rolls in Colorado. Currently, nearly all feed mills and cattle feeders throughout the state are serviced by companies based in Texas. SMS will offer metal fabrication and welding as well as general machine shop services.

Logan County Economic Development Corporation announced the addition of SMS to the Sterling business community. "An entity like Sterling Mill Service is a great example of primary employment and a business that will enhance the local economy by bringing in new dollars to the community that have been getting spent outside of Colorado," said Trae Miller, executive director of LCEDC. "SMS has additional value for our area because there are many potential customers that will be able to benefit from cost savings and efficiencies of having their services available without paying additional travel expenses."

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The facility anticipates starting with 8-10 employees, which will include a General Manager, Joel Mendoza, who is relocating from Ferrell Ross Roll Manufacturing, Inc. in Hereford, Texas, to move to Northeast Colorado and manage the facility. Additionally, SMS will be hiring for a bookkeeper/receptionist, and several shop and field workers with experience in welding, fabrication, and machining. Having a commercial driver's license will also be a plus for anyone interested in working for SMS as there will be time spent in the field changing rolls and servicing customers.

SMS will be located at 230 Edwards Ave. in the former Luft Machine auxiliary shop. The facility was last used by Luft Machine during the oil boom for building related oil field equipment. Nearly two years ago the facility was mostly vacated and only used for specific jobs. The arrival of SMS in Sterling will bring the shop back to life and generate additional activity that can in turn have positive impacts on other shops in the community.

When asked why they chose Sterling to set up shop, General Manager Joel Mendoza said "Sterling is ideally located to service not only cattle feeders and feed mills in Colorado, but Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas as well. We will offer significant savings to customers in mileage charges as compared to services offered by Texas providers."

Sterling City Manager Don Saling said, "The City of Sterling welcomes Sterling Mill Service to our community and is confident they will find Sterling a business friendly community."

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